IndiGo & China Southern Sign New Codeshare Deal

IndiGo and China Southern Airlines sign a new codeshare partnership to strengthen India–China air connectivity, offering seamless itineraries, expanded networks, and improved travel options for B2B travel agents and corporate travel planners.

IndiGo & China Southern Airlines Announce New Codeshare to Boost India–China Connectivity

India’s largest airline, IndiGo, has taken another major stride in expanding its international footprint. The carrier has signed an MoU with China Southern Airlines to establish a new codeshare and cooperation partnership, designed to improve connectivity and streamline travel between India and China.

While the agreement awaits regulatory approval, both airlines have confirmed that the collaboration will open up faster, simpler, and more connected travel options for passengers across key markets.

What the Codeshare Means for Travellers & Travel Agents

The partnership allows the two carriers to place their codes on select routes, creating a unified travel experience and giving travellers access to an expanded network.

Once fully implemented:

• China Southern will gain broader entry points into India.

• IndiGo passengers will enjoy seamless access to China Southern’s extensive network beyond Guangzhou, including major business and leisure destinations across mainland China.

• Travellers can expect smoother check-in, aligned flight schedules, and integrated itineraries—reducing travel friction for both leisure and corporate segments.

For B2B travel agents, this means additional routing options, stronger cross-border travel demand, and more opportunities to package multisegment itineraries.

IndiGo’s Strengthening Presence in China

IndiGo CEO Pieter Elbers highlighted that this agreement reinforces the airline’s strategic focus on China.
IndiGo recently resumed direct services to the country after more than five years, with daily nonstop flights from Delhi and Kolkata to Guangzhou using its Airbus A320neo aircraft.

These enhanced operations reflect IndiGo’s long-term plan to establish reliable, high-frequency connectivity with key Asian markets.

China Southern’s View: High Demand & Strong Market Potential

China Southern Airlines President & CEO Han Wensheng shared that the Indian market offers “significant and untapped potential.”
By partnering with IndiGo—India’s largest and most trusted carrier—the airline aims to:

• Strengthen bilateral travel flows

• Support business mobility

• Boost tourism and cultural exchange

• Expand its reach into major Indian metros
  
  

The combined network strengths are expected to support smoother passenger movement between two of Asia’s fastest-growing economies.

IndiGo’s Growing Portfolio of Global Codeshares

This collaboration adds to IndiGo’s expanding list of international codeshare partners. The airline already has partnerships that enhance its global connectivity with:

• KLM – access to Europe

• Jetstar – Australia & New Zealand

• Malaysia Airlines – Southeast Asia

• Qantas – wider Australia network
  
  

These agreements continue to position IndiGo as a key player in global low-cost connectivity, while offering B2B travel agents stronger itinerary structures across continents.

Why This Partnership Matters Now

Demand for travel between India and China has been gradually rebuilding, particularly for:

• Business travel

• Student mobility

• Medical travel

• Manufacturing and trade partnerships
  
  

The IndiGo–China Southern codeshare arrives at the right time, offering:

• More frequencies

• More seat capacity

• More reliable connecting options

• Better itinerary flexibility for agencies and corporates

For the aviation and travel trade community, this marks a meaningful step toward reviving and strengthening post-pandemic travel flows.

Conclusion: A Win for Travellers and the B2B Travel Ecosystem

The upcoming codeshare between IndiGo and China Southern is poised to significantly improve India–China air connectivity. With greater routing choices, smoother schedules, and coordinated services, B2B travel agents, consolidators, and corporate travel managers will gain more flexibility when crafting itineraries for clients across both nations.

As demand continues to bounce back, this partnership positions both airlines—and the wider travel industry—to benefit from renewed bilateral mobility.

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